Thousands of people can’t be wrong.

Whether you like to kick back all summer long or keep active in the summer heat, there’s a local festival just right for you.

Morgantown and the surrounding area host music and craft events through the summer. At these three most popular events, you can listen to music, sip regional wines, buy local art, join fellow biker enthusiasts, or work up a sweat. All three festivals are family-friendly and direct charitable funds back into the community.

photo courtesy of MountainFest

MountainFest

July 26–28 | Mylan Park

Consider spending a long weekend zipping along winding country roads, enjoying West Virginia’s beautiful scenery while cruising on your chopper.

Not a biker? MountainFest Motorcycle Rally might still be your jam. More than half of the attendees come just for the music—among this year’s talents are Bret Michaels, Montgomery Gentry, and headliner Alabama.

Nonprofit MountainFest invites bikers from all over the county to enjoy scenic rides, concerts, more than 70 vendors, and other activities. From the previous 13 annual festivals, MountainFest has donated almost a million dollars to Mylan Park and its charities. www.wvmountainfest.com

photo courtesy of David Bess

Wine and Jazz

September 15–16

Camp Muffly

Silver might be the traditional 25th anniversary gift, but we’ll take wine, jazz, food, and artisans this year at the 25th annual Wine and Jazz Festival.

In the scenic setting of Camp Muffly, you can enjoy a taste of West Virginia. Not only will you savor wine tasting and live jazz music, you can also try samples from local restaurants and shop for artisan creations.

Nonprofit West Virginia Wine and Jazz, Inc. returns proceeds to the community through music and educational scholarships via WVU community outreach as well as through other sponsorships and donations. www.wvwineandjazz.com

photo courtesy of WVU Medicine Morgantown Marathon

WVU Medicine Morgantown Marathon

September 15–16

Start and finish at the WVU Coliseum

More than 1,000 runners will take to Morgantown city streets this fall, not only from the local area but also from various states and countries and all walks of life. The WVU Medicine Morgantown Marathon not only benefits participants’ physical health, but also donates proceeds to Operation Welcome Home—which has put more than 400 veterans into full-time jobs.

The challenging 26.2 miles includes 2000 feet of elevation gain and all seven wards of the city. Those seeking an easier route may prefer the Mountain Mama 8K, open to K–12 runners, or the Morgantown Thirteener. www.morgantownmarathon.com